June 14, 2005
Charlene Mangees leaned against the wall of the last stall in
the company restroom. Last night she had finalized her case
against the man who was trying to get out of paying alimony
to his wife of twenty years. The man cheated with anything
that moved and yet he claimed to be the injured party. She
stiffened, and closed her tired eyes; someone had just walked
through the door. She only hoped they’d get their business
over with and leave. She needed a moment to herself. Right
now, her office was a battleground.
“I’m so mad I could scream!”
“Go ahead Trina let it out.”
“Pam,” Charlene heard what sounded like a sniffle. “I don’
t know how much more of this I can take.”
“You know better than to hand the Ice Queen anything
that was substandard.”
“Oh, for Christ sake!” Trina snapped, “There were only
three incorrect words! The document was five pages long.”
“That is not the point!” Pam cried. Charlene listened
harder. “You can’t do that she won’t accept anything that’s
not perfect.”
“That bitch! She always thinks she has to prove
something.”
“What about your boss, 0what did he say?”
“Hah!” Trina laughed, “He sided with her. What did you
think he would do? The asshole you’d think they were all
afraid of her.”
“They are. Anyway, they can’t firer you over this.”
“I know, but it pisses me off that everyone runs when she
walks into a room. They act as if she walks on water.”
“She does around here. You had better watch yourself, she
won’t forget this. If she has to stumble over anything she gets
angry, and if she gets angry you better bet someone’s head is
going to roll.”
“Well, I’m not scared of her. That’s why she’s the only
person in this hold building that didn’t get invited to my
party.”
Charlene Mangees leaned against the wall of the last stall in
the company restroom. Last night she had finalized her case
against the man who was trying to get out of paying alimony
to his wife of twenty years. The man cheated with anything
that moved and yet he claimed to be the injured party. She
stiffened, and closed her tired eyes; someone had just walked
through the door. She only hoped they’d get their business
over with and leave. She needed a moment to herself. Right
now, her office was a battleground.
“I’m so mad I could scream!”
“Go ahead Trina let it out.”
“Pam,” Charlene heard what sounded like a sniffle. “I don’
t know how much more of this I can take.”
“You know better than to hand the Ice Queen anything
that was substandard.”
“Oh, for Christ sake!” Trina snapped, “There were only
three incorrect words! The document was five pages long.”
“That is not the point!” Pam cried. Charlene listened
harder. “You can’t do that she won’t accept anything that’s
not perfect.”
“That bitch! She always thinks she has to prove
something.”
“What about your boss, 0what did he say?”
“Hah!” Trina laughed, “He sided with her. What did you
think he would do? The asshole you’d think they were all
afraid of her.”
“They are. Anyway, they can’t firer you over this.”
“I know, but it pisses me off that everyone runs when she
walks into a room. They act as if she walks on water.”
“She does around here. You had better watch yourself, she
won’t forget this. If she has to stumble over anything she gets
angry, and if she gets angry you better bet someone’s head is
going to roll.”
“Well, I’m not scared of her. That’s why she’s the only
person in this hold building that didn’t get invited to my
party.”
Charlene heard a gasp, “You didn’t invite her?”
“Hell no, why should I?”
“Because, for one thing it’s rude, besides she’ll notice the
slight don’t you think she’ll tell Peterson to firer you?”
“Even if she does I don’t care. I just want her to know she
doesn’t scare me.”
“I’d never think of doing that. She wouldn’t come even if you
did invite her.”
“I just want her to know she is not welcome.”
Jessica hurried along the empty corridor, pausing she looked
to her left then took a quick peek to her right. No one was
around. She took a deep breath and glanced at her watch.
“Good,” she sighed, “I have two minutes.” Turning she placed
one palm on the door of the unisex restroom and pushed it open
then stepped inside.
Suddenly there was a flurry of activity and someone rushed
into the restroom and Charlene held her breath, it was always
good to know where you stood with the employees.
“Girl you should have seen the look on his face when I told
him Ms. hardass Mangees had done it.” Trina was saying.
Jessica rolled her green eyes, “What are you two doing in
here?” Jessica walked to one of the sink, ignoring the two sets of
brown eyes staring at her.
“Last I looked this was the restroom.”
“Stop being a smart ass Trina!”
“She asked a stupid question Pam!”
“Look you two,” Jessica said, “Can you take it outside? I
have an appointment to keep.”
Trina gave a hoot of laughter, “In the toilet?”
Jessica flushed, “I’ll take this guy anyway I can get him.”
“Who are you meeting?” Pam asked, fluffing her short black
hair in the mirror. “Let me guess, it’s Ronald right?”
Jessica pulled a face and readjusted her skirt. “For your
information no it’s not.”
Trina grabbed Jessica arm, “Who is it?”
Jessica grinned, “It’s Mr. Aston Trey Pennington.” Shocked
silence filled the room. Charlene stiffened with disbelief.
“Hell no, why should I?”
“Because, for one thing it’s rude, besides she’ll notice the
slight don’t you think she’ll tell Peterson to firer you?”
“Even if she does I don’t care. I just want her to know she
doesn’t scare me.”
“I’d never think of doing that. She wouldn’t come even if you
did invite her.”
“I just want her to know she is not welcome.”
Jessica hurried along the empty corridor, pausing she looked
to her left then took a quick peek to her right. No one was
around. She took a deep breath and glanced at her watch.
“Good,” she sighed, “I have two minutes.” Turning she placed
one palm on the door of the unisex restroom and pushed it open
then stepped inside.
Suddenly there was a flurry of activity and someone rushed
into the restroom and Charlene held her breath, it was always
good to know where you stood with the employees.
“Girl you should have seen the look on his face when I told
him Ms. hardass Mangees had done it.” Trina was saying.
Jessica rolled her green eyes, “What are you two doing in
here?” Jessica walked to one of the sink, ignoring the two sets of
brown eyes staring at her.
“Last I looked this was the restroom.”
“Stop being a smart ass Trina!”
“She asked a stupid question Pam!”
“Look you two,” Jessica said, “Can you take it outside? I
have an appointment to keep.”
Trina gave a hoot of laughter, “In the toilet?”
Jessica flushed, “I’ll take this guy anyway I can get him.”
“Who are you meeting?” Pam asked, fluffing her short black
hair in the mirror. “Let me guess, it’s Ronald right?”
Jessica pulled a face and readjusted her skirt. “For your
information no it’s not.”
Trina grabbed Jessica arm, “Who is it?”
Jessica grinned, “It’s Mr. Aston Trey Pennington.” Shocked
silence filled the room. Charlene stiffened with disbelief.
“You are crazy!”
“No,” Trina mumbled, “she’s not crazy, she’s insane. She
has lost her mind.”
“I’m not either,” Jessica tossed her strawberry blond head
and pursed her pink lips. “I’m meeting him here in one minute
you just watch.”
“Oh,” Pam arched a manicured brow, “are we invited?”
“I guess I have no choice,” Jessica muttered, “since you
don’t look like you’re leaving any time soon.”
“I can’t wait to see this.” Trina said.
“I knew you were dressing strange.” Pam was saying. “All
the short skirts and low-neck blouses. Even got your hair done,
and those nails they look like claws.”
“Shut up Pam!” Jessica snapped. “He’ll be here any
moment.” She hurried to the mirror and tidied her hair and
adjusted her blouse. A second later, the door opened.
“Oh,” he said, “excuse me ladies.” He smiled and walked
past them, deeper into the restroom. He headed towards one of
the stalls at the far end, and disappeared inside.
Charlene fell back, flat against the stall door and held her
breath as she listened. Her heart beat at an insane pace in her
chest. She found herself struggling for a sane thought. Surly
Trey had more self-respect then to meet that woman here. She
would not believe anything else. It had to be a mistake. She
caught her breath and controlled it, then turned back to look at
the women.
Trina nudged Jessica. “What’s wrong with you girl? Go get
your man.”
Pam snickered, “Yeah, go ahead he’s waiting for you.”
Jessica cast narrow eyes on them and straightened her
shoulders. Charlene’s heart sank when Jessica tugged on the
cleavage of her blouse, then stunted down to the other end. Just
as she made it to the door it was flung open and he stepped out.
She turned quickly and headed for a sink, pretending to wash
her hands.
“Pam,” Trey said, washing his hands, “has Nickerton
finished with that deposition? If so can you bring it to my office
ASAP?”
“No,” Trina mumbled, “she’s not crazy, she’s insane. She
has lost her mind.”
“I’m not either,” Jessica tossed her strawberry blond head
and pursed her pink lips. “I’m meeting him here in one minute
you just watch.”
“Oh,” Pam arched a manicured brow, “are we invited?”
“I guess I have no choice,” Jessica muttered, “since you
don’t look like you’re leaving any time soon.”
“I can’t wait to see this.” Trina said.
“I knew you were dressing strange.” Pam was saying. “All
the short skirts and low-neck blouses. Even got your hair done,
and those nails they look like claws.”
“Shut up Pam!” Jessica snapped. “He’ll be here any
moment.” She hurried to the mirror and tidied her hair and
adjusted her blouse. A second later, the door opened.
“Oh,” he said, “excuse me ladies.” He smiled and walked
past them, deeper into the restroom. He headed towards one of
the stalls at the far end, and disappeared inside.
Charlene fell back, flat against the stall door and held her
breath as she listened. Her heart beat at an insane pace in her
chest. She found herself struggling for a sane thought. Surly
Trey had more self-respect then to meet that woman here. She
would not believe anything else. It had to be a mistake. She
caught her breath and controlled it, then turned back to look at
the women.
Trina nudged Jessica. “What’s wrong with you girl? Go get
your man.”
Pam snickered, “Yeah, go ahead he’s waiting for you.”
Jessica cast narrow eyes on them and straightened her
shoulders. Charlene’s heart sank when Jessica tugged on the
cleavage of her blouse, then stunted down to the other end. Just
as she made it to the door it was flung open and he stepped out.
She turned quickly and headed for a sink, pretending to wash
her hands.
“Pam,” Trey said, washing his hands, “has Nickerton
finished with that deposition? If so can you bring it to my office
ASAP?”
“Yes sir,” Pam smiled brightly, “right away sir.”
He smiled and nodded, “See you ladies around.”
As the door closed behind him they collectively released
the breath they had been holding, and sagged against the sinks.
Charlene closed her eyes for a second, and then breathed a sigh
of pleasure.
Trish fanned herself, then let out a ragged laugh. “Damn
that man is fine.”
“For a white boy he is down right beautiful.” Pam fairly
drooled, her eyes still on the closed door.
“I can tell you by what I saw the other day, that man is no
boy.” All eyes swung to Jessica’s flushed face.
“Spill it.” They said in unison.
“Well,” Jessica grinned, “everyday at twelve thirty he
comes to the restroom. Two days ago I walked into one of the
stalls not realizing he was in there. He forgot to lock the door,”
she clutched her heart. “And by God if my knees didn’t almost
drop me to the floor, he turned slightly and girls his package
is…”
“That is enough!” Charlene stepped out of the stall to their
left. “You will cease and desist, this instant! You three will be
lucky to keep your jobs.”
Their mouths hung opened, three pairs of eyes stared at her.
Trina tried to speak, “I’m sorry Ma’am we…”
“We didn’t mean…” Pam stuttered.
“I was just trying to…” Jessica started.
Charlene held up her hand. “I don’t particularly care what
you think of me. Nor do I care what you think of Mr.
Pennington, but I will not sit back and listen to you droll like a
bunch of bitches in heat over a man who doesn’t know you are
alive! We are your superiors and we deserve your respect, hate
us if you will, but I will have that respect, or every one of you
will be out on the street!”
“You’re right Ma’am and we are sorry. It’ll never happen
again.” Trina ducked her head and fled the room. Pam and
Jessica mumbled quick apologies and followed her through the
door.
He smiled and nodded, “See you ladies around.”
As the door closed behind him they collectively released
the breath they had been holding, and sagged against the sinks.
Charlene closed her eyes for a second, and then breathed a sigh
of pleasure.
Trish fanned herself, then let out a ragged laugh. “Damn
that man is fine.”
“For a white boy he is down right beautiful.” Pam fairly
drooled, her eyes still on the closed door.
“I can tell you by what I saw the other day, that man is no
boy.” All eyes swung to Jessica’s flushed face.
“Spill it.” They said in unison.
“Well,” Jessica grinned, “everyday at twelve thirty he
comes to the restroom. Two days ago I walked into one of the
stalls not realizing he was in there. He forgot to lock the door,”
she clutched her heart. “And by God if my knees didn’t almost
drop me to the floor, he turned slightly and girls his package
is…”
“That is enough!” Charlene stepped out of the stall to their
left. “You will cease and desist, this instant! You three will be
lucky to keep your jobs.”
Their mouths hung opened, three pairs of eyes stared at her.
Trina tried to speak, “I’m sorry Ma’am we…”
“We didn’t mean…” Pam stuttered.
“I was just trying to…” Jessica started.
Charlene held up her hand. “I don’t particularly care what
you think of me. Nor do I care what you think of Mr.
Pennington, but I will not sit back and listen to you droll like a
bunch of bitches in heat over a man who doesn’t know you are
alive! We are your superiors and we deserve your respect, hate
us if you will, but I will have that respect, or every one of you
will be out on the street!”
“You’re right Ma’am and we are sorry. It’ll never happen
again.” Trina ducked her head and fled the room. Pam and
Jessica mumbled quick apologies and followed her through the
door.
When they were gone, Charlene took a deep breath and lean
her burning palms on the cool steel of one of the many sinks. She
had been there since the two girls had walked in and had indeed
heard every word. She knew very few people in the company
liked her. She even thought the nickname was kind of quaint. The
Ice Queen. Her lips lifted in a small smile as she stared at her
reflection, better to be a Queen than a servant. Am I that bad? It
felt good to have people fear her, with fear, comes respect. But
not everyone, having at least one person to stand by her would
be a prudent move. Charlene decided right then to work on
cultivating a friendship. Someone who had nothing to do with
Law, where she would find that person she had no idea. She was
only twenty-six and ninety-five percent of the people in this
forty story building hated her. She could care less, actually she
couldn’t name one person that she knew for sure was even close
to being a friend to her.
She flinched when the door was pushed open again, this time
her eyes narrowed.
“Hello Missy, how’s it going?” Trey breezed by her.
She held her breath not wanting to get a whiff of his
magnetic cologne. “Don’t call my Missy, Percy!” She snapped
knowing how much he hated his middle name.
He disappeared into one of the stalls and came right back out
carrying a folder. “I forgot something.” He dimpled at her. She
turned away, and pretended to fix the collar of her white shirt in
the mirror. To her dismay, he stopped at the mirror next to her.
She could feel his steel-blue eyes on her, and she knew if she
didn’t turn and look at him, he would never go away. “I happen
to like my middle name. Use it all you want.”
“No you don’t, now go away Percy.” She stared into the
mirror and willed him away.
“I love you.” He said out of nowhere. Her lips tightened and
her stomach gave an unpleasant jolt. He didn’t love her, it was
just his way of getting under her skin. He knew she was the best
at what she did, and that love was her nemesis and so he chose to
needle her with it every chance he got. The one thing she was
grateful for was that he didn’t do it in public, it was only when
they were alone.
her burning palms on the cool steel of one of the many sinks. She
had been there since the two girls had walked in and had indeed
heard every word. She knew very few people in the company
liked her. She even thought the nickname was kind of quaint. The
Ice Queen. Her lips lifted in a small smile as she stared at her
reflection, better to be a Queen than a servant. Am I that bad? It
felt good to have people fear her, with fear, comes respect. But
not everyone, having at least one person to stand by her would
be a prudent move. Charlene decided right then to work on
cultivating a friendship. Someone who had nothing to do with
Law, where she would find that person she had no idea. She was
only twenty-six and ninety-five percent of the people in this
forty story building hated her. She could care less, actually she
couldn’t name one person that she knew for sure was even close
to being a friend to her.
She flinched when the door was pushed open again, this time
her eyes narrowed.
“Hello Missy, how’s it going?” Trey breezed by her.
She held her breath not wanting to get a whiff of his
magnetic cologne. “Don’t call my Missy, Percy!” She snapped
knowing how much he hated his middle name.
He disappeared into one of the stalls and came right back out
carrying a folder. “I forgot something.” He dimpled at her. She
turned away, and pretended to fix the collar of her white shirt in
the mirror. To her dismay, he stopped at the mirror next to her.
She could feel his steel-blue eyes on her, and she knew if she
didn’t turn and look at him, he would never go away. “I happen
to like my middle name. Use it all you want.”
“No you don’t, now go away Percy.” She stared into the
mirror and willed him away.
“I love you.” He said out of nowhere. Her lips tightened and
her stomach gave an unpleasant jolt. He didn’t love her, it was
just his way of getting under her skin. He knew she was the best
at what she did, and that love was her nemesis and so he chose to
needle her with it every chance he got. The one thing she was
grateful for was that he didn’t do it in public, it was only when
they were alone.
But one day she would make him eat those words.
Arms crossed over her stomach she finally turned and
looked up at him. He was only six inches taller than she and at
her five feet, nine inches it didn’t seem like much.
“What do you want Trey?”
“Do you think it’s true?”
Her heart pounded. What is he talking about? There were
so many rumors running around the office it didn’t pay to
speculate. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Stop it Charlene, you and I are much too smart for this
kind of game.”
She bristled, “Then why don’t you come out with it? What
do you want to know?”
“Who do you think will be leaving, you or I?”
Careful to keep her face composed, she turned towards the
mirror. Her eyes rested on the drop of water that stuck to the
glass directly in front of her. “I’m leaving.”
His lips lifted in a boyish grin, and before she could stop it
her eyes swung to them and her pulse picked up speed. “I hate
to disappoint you sugar,” he was saying, in his sweet country
drawl that he used only when trying to get his way, “but I’m
the one getting his own firm.”
“If you mean by going to Virginia you’ll have your own
firm, I hate to disappoint you pumpkin, but it’s not yours. It’s
theirs, you will be just running it.”
“So, you admit it’s me?”
“No, I didn’t say that, there is no way they’d pick you
over me.”
“I recognize jealousy when I hear it,” he chuckled. “But
you and I both know it’s the first step to starting my own
practice.”
“It’s really sad that you think you even have a shot at it.
The only reason your name came up was to try and keep a fair
edge to it. Make no mistake Percy, that job is mine.”
He rubbed his hands together. “I can feel it now, another
one of our famous battles, I can’t wait to whip the pants off
you.” He smirked.
Arms crossed over her stomach she finally turned and
looked up at him. He was only six inches taller than she and at
her five feet, nine inches it didn’t seem like much.
“What do you want Trey?”
“Do you think it’s true?”
Her heart pounded. What is he talking about? There were
so many rumors running around the office it didn’t pay to
speculate. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Stop it Charlene, you and I are much too smart for this
kind of game.”
She bristled, “Then why don’t you come out with it? What
do you want to know?”
“Who do you think will be leaving, you or I?”
Careful to keep her face composed, she turned towards the
mirror. Her eyes rested on the drop of water that stuck to the
glass directly in front of her. “I’m leaving.”
His lips lifted in a boyish grin, and before she could stop it
her eyes swung to them and her pulse picked up speed. “I hate
to disappoint you sugar,” he was saying, in his sweet country
drawl that he used only when trying to get his way, “but I’m
the one getting his own firm.”
“If you mean by going to Virginia you’ll have your own
firm, I hate to disappoint you pumpkin, but it’s not yours. It’s
theirs, you will be just running it.”
“So, you admit it’s me?”
“No, I didn’t say that, there is no way they’d pick you
over me.”
“I recognize jealousy when I hear it,” he chuckled. “But
you and I both know it’s the first step to starting my own
practice.”
“It’s really sad that you think you even have a shot at it.
The only reason your name came up was to try and keep a fair
edge to it. Make no mistake Percy, that job is mine.”
He rubbed his hands together. “I can feel it now, another
one of our famous battles, I can’t wait to whip the pants off
you.” He smirked.
“If any pants will be getting whipped off it will be
yours. So stop smiling at me and do what you do best, go kiss
some ass, and see what good it will do you.”
“Ouch,” then he frowned. “Well you know, there is one
ass I’d like to kiss.” She shivered when his eyes traveled the
length of her, then he shrugged. “Maybe one day.”
“Get out of here!”
“Good bye my love,” he tipped his head to her then
walked out the door.
*****
Charlene Mangees sat in front of the practice owners, her
bosses for the last six years, with pose and elegance. Her long
copper legs crossed at the knee, one elegant hand draped on
her knee, the other lay on top of it, just as her grandmother
had taught her all those years ago. Her face betrayed no
emotion because there was none to betray. She was here and
they wanted something from her. It was the way of the world.
She didn’t wonder what it was, nor did she care. The office
grape vine had already prepared her for the worst. Not that
she needed to be prepared; she always knew where she was
going and what she was about. She reached up and removed
the small black frame glasses that sat perched on her nose. Her
sharp eyes scanned the garishly furnished room and its
contents. She missed nothing. Every gesture and word were
quickly analyzed and digested. This was a small private
meeting, just the three partners, her and her rival. Her razor-
sharp eyes reluctantly turned towards the interloper. It didn’t
matter what was happening in her life, he seem to be involved
in it one way or another.
Blaine Erickson stood, and cleared his throat; her eyes
were drawn to his lanky frame. He was sixty-five and ready to
retire. Tall and thin, his gray hair was thick and full, he was a
nice enough guy for a lawyer. He was the better looking of the
three brothers. His features were long and pinched maybe
from too much squinting. He favored gray suits each one
tailored to fit. He said it brought out the gray in his eyes.
Charlene didn’t see anything great about his eyes, except
yours. So stop smiling at me and do what you do best, go kiss
some ass, and see what good it will do you.”
“Ouch,” then he frowned. “Well you know, there is one
ass I’d like to kiss.” She shivered when his eyes traveled the
length of her, then he shrugged. “Maybe one day.”
“Get out of here!”
“Good bye my love,” he tipped his head to her then
walked out the door.
*****
Charlene Mangees sat in front of the practice owners, her
bosses for the last six years, with pose and elegance. Her long
copper legs crossed at the knee, one elegant hand draped on
her knee, the other lay on top of it, just as her grandmother
had taught her all those years ago. Her face betrayed no
emotion because there was none to betray. She was here and
they wanted something from her. It was the way of the world.
She didn’t wonder what it was, nor did she care. The office
grape vine had already prepared her for the worst. Not that
she needed to be prepared; she always knew where she was
going and what she was about. She reached up and removed
the small black frame glasses that sat perched on her nose. Her
sharp eyes scanned the garishly furnished room and its
contents. She missed nothing. Every gesture and word were
quickly analyzed and digested. This was a small private
meeting, just the three partners, her and her rival. Her razor-
sharp eyes reluctantly turned towards the interloper. It didn’t
matter what was happening in her life, he seem to be involved
in it one way or another.
Blaine Erickson stood, and cleared his throat; her eyes
were drawn to his lanky frame. He was sixty-five and ready to
retire. Tall and thin, his gray hair was thick and full, he was a
nice enough guy for a lawyer. He was the better looking of the
three brothers. His features were long and pinched maybe
from too much squinting. He favored gray suits each one
tailored to fit. He said it brought out the gray in his eyes.
Charlene didn’t see anything great about his eyes, except
maybe the haze of his cataracts.
He cleared his throat his Adams apple bobbing. He sat on
the edge of his desk facing them. “Trey, Charlie,” he began but
she held up her hand. “Yes, Charlie?” He quirked a gray brow in
her direction.
Charlene tried not to take offence. She knew it was just his
nature to be condescending. “Sir, I’ve worked here a while now
and I’d like to think you know me.” Her eyes narrowed at the
snort that came from her left, but she continued. “I have asked
that you call me by my given name.”
The corners of his thin lips lifted. “Will you allow an old
man one small pleasure Charlene?”
Her lips tightened, “One small pleasure usually turns into
two. I must stick to my original statement. My name is my
seal, it is my badge of honor, and if people don’t respect that,
then what will they respect?”
This time his younger brothers both laughed, “She’s got
you there Blaine, just call her by her name and forget it.”
Rodger said.
Blaine sighed and shook his head, “That is why I like you
Charlene, you have steel balls under that skirt, nothing moves
you, which is why I brought you and Trey here today.”
Trey had remained quiet during the exchange, but now he
spoke up. “I’ve been a bit curious. What’s up?”
Rodger stood and rounded the desk. “We have an opening
in Virginia.”
Charlene felt Trey’s silver-blue gaze on her, but she stared
straight ahead, allowing no expression to cross her face.
“Virginia?” Trey said, mild curiosity coloring his tone. He
watched Charlene from the corner of his eyes. “What do you
mean?”
“I mean we’ve bought a practice up there and I want one of
you two to run it.” Suddenly, her interest picked up. Her eyes
wavered just a fraction and her hands tightened on her knee, as
Dale continued. “The previous owner is still there, he has opted
to stay and be of any assistance you may need.”
He cleared his throat his Adams apple bobbing. He sat on
the edge of his desk facing them. “Trey, Charlie,” he began but
she held up her hand. “Yes, Charlie?” He quirked a gray brow in
her direction.
Charlene tried not to take offence. She knew it was just his
nature to be condescending. “Sir, I’ve worked here a while now
and I’d like to think you know me.” Her eyes narrowed at the
snort that came from her left, but she continued. “I have asked
that you call me by my given name.”
The corners of his thin lips lifted. “Will you allow an old
man one small pleasure Charlene?”
Her lips tightened, “One small pleasure usually turns into
two. I must stick to my original statement. My name is my
seal, it is my badge of honor, and if people don’t respect that,
then what will they respect?”
This time his younger brothers both laughed, “She’s got
you there Blaine, just call her by her name and forget it.”
Rodger said.
Blaine sighed and shook his head, “That is why I like you
Charlene, you have steel balls under that skirt, nothing moves
you, which is why I brought you and Trey here today.”
Trey had remained quiet during the exchange, but now he
spoke up. “I’ve been a bit curious. What’s up?”
Rodger stood and rounded the desk. “We have an opening
in Virginia.”
Charlene felt Trey’s silver-blue gaze on her, but she stared
straight ahead, allowing no expression to cross her face.
“Virginia?” Trey said, mild curiosity coloring his tone. He
watched Charlene from the corner of his eyes. “What do you
mean?”
“I mean we’ve bought a practice up there and I want one of
you two to run it.” Suddenly, her interest picked up. Her eyes
wavered just a fraction and her hands tightened on her knee, as
Dale continued. “The previous owner is still there, he has opted
to stay and be of any assistance you may need.”
Dale looked at his watch. “I’d like to be on the plane in eight
hours, any problems?”
Charlene stared into his brown eyes effectively causing him
look away. “Not on my part.” She wasn’t as trusting as most
people and something about this just didn’t sit well with her.
“Give me the info and I’ll see you to at the airport.”
“No, dear,” her eyes darkened, she had little tolerance for
condescending people, and these three brothers were all that and
more. But Blaine laughed it off, “Charlene please, just this once?
It might be the last time you see me.”
Her nostrils flared slightly, but she nodded.
Roger coughed, “Well, we’d best get on with this.”
Charlene walked around her apartment making sure
everything was in its place. She was nervous, so nervous she had
to clasp her hands together in order to keep them still. She went
to the window and stared out over the park outside. Her
apartment was on the eighth floor and she loved looking out and
seeing the tops of massive trees, then a little bit away was the
park, sometimes it was full, sometimes like now, it was empty,
but it always seemed to fit her mood. Right now there was a
young couple sitting on the swings holding hands and staring into
each others eyes. It could have been touching, but to Charlene
who knew how it would all end. It seemed like such a waste.
Those two would declare their love to each other, then get
married and if they were luck they’d get a divorce before any
children came into the picture to make it an even bigger mess. She
turned slightly and stared at the picture sitting on her mantle right
above her fire place. Her parents had been happy once. They
smiled at her, all cuddled in each others arms. But for her that
picture served as a reminder of how deceiving love can be.
She jumped as her phone rang. She turned and hurried to it.
“This is Charlene.”
“Hey baby,” she tensed, and then forced herself to relax. It
was her father’s mother.
“Hi Nana, how are you?”
“What do you mean how am I? If you would come down
here you could see how I am. I did raise you.”
Charlene rolled her eyes and held in a tired sigh. “You know my
work keeps me from getting down there.”
hours, any problems?”
Charlene stared into his brown eyes effectively causing him
look away. “Not on my part.” She wasn’t as trusting as most
people and something about this just didn’t sit well with her.
“Give me the info and I’ll see you to at the airport.”
“No, dear,” her eyes darkened, she had little tolerance for
condescending people, and these three brothers were all that and
more. But Blaine laughed it off, “Charlene please, just this once?
It might be the last time you see me.”
Her nostrils flared slightly, but she nodded.
Roger coughed, “Well, we’d best get on with this.”
Charlene walked around her apartment making sure
everything was in its place. She was nervous, so nervous she had
to clasp her hands together in order to keep them still. She went
to the window and stared out over the park outside. Her
apartment was on the eighth floor and she loved looking out and
seeing the tops of massive trees, then a little bit away was the
park, sometimes it was full, sometimes like now, it was empty,
but it always seemed to fit her mood. Right now there was a
young couple sitting on the swings holding hands and staring into
each others eyes. It could have been touching, but to Charlene
who knew how it would all end. It seemed like such a waste.
Those two would declare their love to each other, then get
married and if they were luck they’d get a divorce before any
children came into the picture to make it an even bigger mess. She
turned slightly and stared at the picture sitting on her mantle right
above her fire place. Her parents had been happy once. They
smiled at her, all cuddled in each others arms. But for her that
picture served as a reminder of how deceiving love can be.
She jumped as her phone rang. She turned and hurried to it.
“This is Charlene.”
“Hey baby,” she tensed, and then forced herself to relax. It
was her father’s mother.
“Hi Nana, how are you?”
“What do you mean how am I? If you would come down
here you could see how I am. I did raise you.”
Charlene rolled her eyes and held in a tired sigh. “You know my
work keeps me from getting down there.”
Trey frowned. “So why have both of us here?” Then he
smiled, “I assume Charlene will become my assistant.” She
bristled immediately, as he knew she would, her eyes shooting
fire at him.
“I don’t think so!” She snapped. “You are probably going
to be mine.”
Blaine held up his hand. “No, no,” he sighed, “You are
two of our best. We’ve watched you grow over the years and
while your competitiveness is great, we need one of you here.
The person who stays will become a partner here, replacing
me. I’ll be retiring in two years. It’s all set, I’ll be between
here and Virginia until I retire just to make sure all goes well.
The other will run the office in Virginia.”
Stunned silence met that announcement.
Trey cleared his throat, and shifted in his seat. “Which
one of us is staying Sir?”
“I’m flying with you two to Virginia,” Dale said, and
stood up. “I want to check the place out and to see which one
of you is better suited for that job. Then, I’ll be the one to
make the decision. I will take into account your wishes.” He
looked at Charlene, “Charlene, where would you like to be?”
Without hesitation she said, “Virginia.”
He nodded and turned to Trey, “What about you Trey?”
Trey couldn’t help the grin that tugged at his lips, his
eyes on her, he said, “Virginia.” He almost laughed when her
lips tightened.
The brothers did laugh. “Now, how did I know that?”
Charlene spoke up, “We would have to be fools not to
want to run a firm on our own.”
“The ever practical Charlene,” Blaine sighed, “you are
right dear.” Her face tightened. “Can’t I call you that either?”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Fine!”
“Leave her alone Blaine,” Rodger was saying, “She’s been
with us for six years, the girl, oops, I mean woman knows
what she is about, don’t start trying to change her now.”
smiled, “I assume Charlene will become my assistant.” She
bristled immediately, as he knew she would, her eyes shooting
fire at him.
“I don’t think so!” She snapped. “You are probably going
to be mine.”
Blaine held up his hand. “No, no,” he sighed, “You are
two of our best. We’ve watched you grow over the years and
while your competitiveness is great, we need one of you here.
The person who stays will become a partner here, replacing
me. I’ll be retiring in two years. It’s all set, I’ll be between
here and Virginia until I retire just to make sure all goes well.
The other will run the office in Virginia.”
Stunned silence met that announcement.
Trey cleared his throat, and shifted in his seat. “Which
one of us is staying Sir?”
“I’m flying with you two to Virginia,” Dale said, and
stood up. “I want to check the place out and to see which one
of you is better suited for that job. Then, I’ll be the one to
make the decision. I will take into account your wishes.” He
looked at Charlene, “Charlene, where would you like to be?”
Without hesitation she said, “Virginia.”
He nodded and turned to Trey, “What about you Trey?”
Trey couldn’t help the grin that tugged at his lips, his
eyes on her, he said, “Virginia.” He almost laughed when her
lips tightened.
The brothers did laugh. “Now, how did I know that?”
Charlene spoke up, “We would have to be fools not to
want to run a firm on our own.”
“The ever practical Charlene,” Blaine sighed, “you are
right dear.” Her face tightened. “Can’t I call you that either?”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Fine!”
“Leave her alone Blaine,” Rodger was saying, “She’s been
with us for six years, the girl, oops, I mean woman knows
what she is about, don’t start trying to change her now.”
“The only time I see you is on the television. I came by
your place and you was gone. When you comin’ by shae’ lil’
babe’.”
“Nana please with the Cajun talk, you know I can’t stand
that.”
“It’s a part of you, I can never understand why you don
lic it.”
“Please, it turns my stomach, it reeks of catfish and
mud.” Charlene snapped and was immediately sorry. “I’m so
sorry Nana, you know I love you. But if I don’t work I won’t
be able to send you those big checks.”
“I prefer to see my baby, I don won’t yo money iffen I
got to chose between that and seein’ you.”
“Would you like to come and stay here for a week?”
Nana’s voice was immediately lighter. “Yes, it’ll be just
like old time.” Charlene wanted to shrink away from the
happiness in that voice.
“Well,” she hesitated. “I’m going to be out of town and I
thought…”
“Forget it,” Nana snapped. “When you have time for me
let me know.”
Charlene stared at the dead phone in her hand. She had
hurt the only person who had ever tried to love her. She knew
she was easier to hate than to love, but her Nana had actually
tried. And tried for a long time, until Charlene had told her
straight out that love was for the weak. She had told her Nana
that she was not weak and she’d never give in to that sickness.
Now, she regretted those words. Now she knew some people
needed the word love to justify their existence. It wasn’t bad
to believe there was an emotion that could bind two people
for life, it was just stupid. But then everyone couldn’t be
smart, if they were she would not be as needed as she was.
She turned and picked up her suit case. Her apartment was
immaculate, done in antique white, bone and milk chocolate
she had managed a calming effect on anyone who entered. The
sterile chrome look was comforting to her and she would never
change it. She grabbed her keys off the sliver key holder,
checked her hair in the mirror beside the door, and then she
was out the door. Dale said he would be there to pick her up
at ten, it was five till and she wanted be waiting on him. It
always paid to have the upper hand in everything.
your place and you was gone. When you comin’ by shae’ lil’
babe’.”
“Nana please with the Cajun talk, you know I can’t stand
that.”
“It’s a part of you, I can never understand why you don
lic it.”
“Please, it turns my stomach, it reeks of catfish and
mud.” Charlene snapped and was immediately sorry. “I’m so
sorry Nana, you know I love you. But if I don’t work I won’t
be able to send you those big checks.”
“I prefer to see my baby, I don won’t yo money iffen I
got to chose between that and seein’ you.”
“Would you like to come and stay here for a week?”
Nana’s voice was immediately lighter. “Yes, it’ll be just
like old time.” Charlene wanted to shrink away from the
happiness in that voice.
“Well,” she hesitated. “I’m going to be out of town and I
thought…”
“Forget it,” Nana snapped. “When you have time for me
let me know.”
Charlene stared at the dead phone in her hand. She had
hurt the only person who had ever tried to love her. She knew
she was easier to hate than to love, but her Nana had actually
tried. And tried for a long time, until Charlene had told her
straight out that love was for the weak. She had told her Nana
that she was not weak and she’d never give in to that sickness.
Now, she regretted those words. Now she knew some people
needed the word love to justify their existence. It wasn’t bad
to believe there was an emotion that could bind two people
for life, it was just stupid. But then everyone couldn’t be
smart, if they were she would not be as needed as she was.
She turned and picked up her suit case. Her apartment was
immaculate, done in antique white, bone and milk chocolate
she had managed a calming effect on anyone who entered. The
sterile chrome look was comforting to her and she would never
change it. She grabbed her keys off the sliver key holder,
checked her hair in the mirror beside the door, and then she
was out the door. Dale said he would be there to pick her up
at ten, it was five till and she wanted be waiting on him. It
always paid to have the upper hand in everything.
Ashton Percy Pennington the III, Trey to those who knew him,
loved flying. He had his own plane and had offered to fly them
to Virginia, but Dale hadn’t wanted to make use of it. Trey
shrugged mentally; first class on a concord wasn’t so bad. He
eased back in the plush seat and sighed. His legs stretched out in
front of him were crossed at the ankles. He had opted to wear
blue jeans and a white shirt, for the trip and shower and change
at Dale’s home when they arrived there. He smiled as he
remembered Charlene’s condescending, tight-lipped look when
her slanted eyes had given him the once over. Today she’d
deviated from her typical work attire, black pants suits. She
wore a gray pantsuit. While he did admit she wore it well, he
didn’t understand her stiff attitude about life. She was a good
height, probably about five feet nine if her records were correct.
It made him feel just that much better, being at least five inches
taller then she. She was slim, with no curves to speak of, for a
black woman her bottom was round but not full. She had that
way of cutting her eyes at a person and making them feel three
inches high. He had gotten past that look years ago, now he had
his own look, and she always looked away.
The sun was high; its golden rays penetrated the thick glass
of the airplane window. He sat in the seat next to a sleeping
Charlene. He chuckled to himself as he remembered the fight she
had put up about his sitting next to her. Why, he often
wondered, does she hate me so much? He couldn’t recall ever
doing anything horribly wrong to her.
He remembered their first meeting, six years ago. She had
been so eager and determined to prove herself. That he could
understand. Now at times that fierce drive of hers was
horrendous to observe. It made his heart ache with real pain just
to watch her rip into the life out of some rich slob. She was the
best-damned divorce lawyer in the State, hell maybe in the whole
country! When she took a case, you can bet your last dollar she
would win. Her clients, male or female usually got exactly what
they wanted from the ex-spouse. This woman sleeping so
soundly next to him was made of solid ice.
But right now, with the golden rays of the awakening sun
caressing her smooth dark gold skin, she looked like an angel sent
from heaven. Her hair hung in its bun threatening to fall about her
shoulders. Her full lips were slightly parted as she breathe. She
lay half on her side, one hand tucked under her cheek like a child,
the other lay on her stomach.
loved flying. He had his own plane and had offered to fly them
to Virginia, but Dale hadn’t wanted to make use of it. Trey
shrugged mentally; first class on a concord wasn’t so bad. He
eased back in the plush seat and sighed. His legs stretched out in
front of him were crossed at the ankles. He had opted to wear
blue jeans and a white shirt, for the trip and shower and change
at Dale’s home when they arrived there. He smiled as he
remembered Charlene’s condescending, tight-lipped look when
her slanted eyes had given him the once over. Today she’d
deviated from her typical work attire, black pants suits. She
wore a gray pantsuit. While he did admit she wore it well, he
didn’t understand her stiff attitude about life. She was a good
height, probably about five feet nine if her records were correct.
It made him feel just that much better, being at least five inches
taller then she. She was slim, with no curves to speak of, for a
black woman her bottom was round but not full. She had that
way of cutting her eyes at a person and making them feel three
inches high. He had gotten past that look years ago, now he had
his own look, and she always looked away.
The sun was high; its golden rays penetrated the thick glass
of the airplane window. He sat in the seat next to a sleeping
Charlene. He chuckled to himself as he remembered the fight she
had put up about his sitting next to her. Why, he often
wondered, does she hate me so much? He couldn’t recall ever
doing anything horribly wrong to her.
He remembered their first meeting, six years ago. She had
been so eager and determined to prove herself. That he could
understand. Now at times that fierce drive of hers was
horrendous to observe. It made his heart ache with real pain just
to watch her rip into the life out of some rich slob. She was the
best-damned divorce lawyer in the State, hell maybe in the whole
country! When she took a case, you can bet your last dollar she
would win. Her clients, male or female usually got exactly what
they wanted from the ex-spouse. This woman sleeping so
soundly next to him was made of solid ice.
But right now, with the golden rays of the awakening sun
caressing her smooth dark gold skin, she looked like an angel sent
from heaven. Her hair hung in its bun threatening to fall about her
shoulders. Her full lips were slightly parted as she breathe. She
lay half on her side, one hand tucked under her cheek like a child,
the other lay on her stomach.
“Sir,” Trey sat up, his eyes narrowed. “Are you saying if I
were to date someone…”
Dale held up his hand, “Don’t say it Trey, we don’t need to
have this conversation. You know what you’re about.” He chuckled
but it sounded forced to Trey. “I was slightly concerned about the
look on your face when I walked in. It looked as if you were
enthralled.”
“If so then it was just by the fact that she is here.” Trey didn’t
wonder any more about the conversation because it had no basis in
his life. “I know she’s good Sir, but she’s a divorce lawyer, I don’t
think she can handle running an office alone.”
“And you think you can?”
“Frankly,” Trey paused not liking the look in Dale’s eyes. “As
a criminal lawyer I am better qualified. Plus I have three years on
her; she’s only twenty-six years old.”
“Age is not a variable, with this trip we’re looking for different
qualities.”
“But Sir,” Trey stopped when she groaned, her face wrinkled
in a frown and she moved restlessly. He looked at Dale. “She must
be having a bad dream.”
“With all the people she’s sent to the poor house I can see
why.” Trey’s lips tightened for just an instant, and then he shook it
off and forced a smile, reaching out he pushed at her shoulder. Her
eyes opened immediately. He could tell by the glassy look that she
wasn’t awake. He leaned closer to her; something in the vast depths
of her watery gazes pulled him. She seemed so lost, so vulnerable;
her chest sunk in as she pulled in deep calming breath, and her eyes
wouldn’t release him.
“So your finally back with us.” Dale said, and her eyes
snapped closed, then she straightened in the seat and turned
towards the window. Trey felt the lost as if it were a physical blow
to his stomach. He needed her to look at him, to burrow into his
arms and let him comfort her. Trey shook himself, uncomfortable
with the thought. Where did that craziness come from?
“Charlene,” Dale was saying, “You’ve slept most of the trip.
When we get to Virginia, we’ll be staying at my home. It’s called
Windermere. It’s an estate off Both Bay in Trevett near Oak Hill.
You’ll love it, I put you two in rooms next to each other. That way
you can get in a few last fights before, you are free of each other
forever.”
“Sir,” Charlene’s eyes flew to Dale, “it isn’t that bad.”
“I know, I’m just joking.”
were to date someone…”
Dale held up his hand, “Don’t say it Trey, we don’t need to
have this conversation. You know what you’re about.” He chuckled
but it sounded forced to Trey. “I was slightly concerned about the
look on your face when I walked in. It looked as if you were
enthralled.”
“If so then it was just by the fact that she is here.” Trey didn’t
wonder any more about the conversation because it had no basis in
his life. “I know she’s good Sir, but she’s a divorce lawyer, I don’t
think she can handle running an office alone.”
“And you think you can?”
“Frankly,” Trey paused not liking the look in Dale’s eyes. “As
a criminal lawyer I am better qualified. Plus I have three years on
her; she’s only twenty-six years old.”
“Age is not a variable, with this trip we’re looking for different
qualities.”
“But Sir,” Trey stopped when she groaned, her face wrinkled
in a frown and she moved restlessly. He looked at Dale. “She must
be having a bad dream.”
“With all the people she’s sent to the poor house I can see
why.” Trey’s lips tightened for just an instant, and then he shook it
off and forced a smile, reaching out he pushed at her shoulder. Her
eyes opened immediately. He could tell by the glassy look that she
wasn’t awake. He leaned closer to her; something in the vast depths
of her watery gazes pulled him. She seemed so lost, so vulnerable;
her chest sunk in as she pulled in deep calming breath, and her eyes
wouldn’t release him.
“So your finally back with us.” Dale said, and her eyes
snapped closed, then she straightened in the seat and turned
towards the window. Trey felt the lost as if it were a physical blow
to his stomach. He needed her to look at him, to burrow into his
arms and let him comfort her. Trey shook himself, uncomfortable
with the thought. Where did that craziness come from?
“Charlene,” Dale was saying, “You’ve slept most of the trip.
When we get to Virginia, we’ll be staying at my home. It’s called
Windermere. It’s an estate off Both Bay in Trevett near Oak Hill.
You’ll love it, I put you two in rooms next to each other. That way
you can get in a few last fights before, you are free of each other
forever.”
“Sir,” Charlene’s eyes flew to Dale, “it isn’t that bad.”
“I know, I’m just joking.”
His eyes traveled to the valley where her jacket parted, she
had let one button loose in a mediocre attempt at getting
comfortable. Against his will, his eyes took into the soft curve of
her breasts under the white shirt. A piece of black lace peeked
out from the edge of the shirt and he swallowed hard. He’d never
seen her in anything but black, the dove gray seemed to soften
her for some reason it, making her skin take on a tender glow. His
gaze traveled to her dimpled chin that gave her a strong
determined look that set most people on their ears. Long coal
black lashes fanned her dusky cheeks, years of knowing her and
fighting with her had lead to this. This was the closes thing to a
relationship he had ever really known; and now it was about to
be over.
His lips lifted in a small wistful smile, he didn’t even like her
but she was the one person he could always count on to be real
with him, she never candy coated anything. He wasn’t sure if he
would miss her, but he knew he would miss their verbal sparing.
“Huh,” Trey blinked and immediately dropped his hand.
“She is beautiful isn’t she?” Dale commented taken his seat
across from them.
Trey felt like a fool, he hadn’t realized he had lifted his
hand; to his amazement, he had been about to caress her sleeping
face. “I don’t know Sir,” he hesitated, suddenly confused. “If
you like that type, I guess.”
Dale laughed, “You’d have to dead not to notice how pretty
she is.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”
“You know Trey,” Dale cocked a bushy gray eyebrow at
him. “I’ve always thought if things were different what
wonderful children you two could have.”
Trey raised a brow at that, “What do you mean if things
were different, and with whom would I have these children?”
“If Charlene wasn’t black,” Dale sighed with regret, “you two
compliment each other so well.”
Trey threw back his head and laughed hard, “Sir,” he said
between chuckles, “That is so far from the truth. I hate to break
it to you but I wouldn’t touch that woman with a twenty foot
pole.”
“That good to hear Trey,” Dale grunted, “you could ruin
your career with something like this.”
had let one button loose in a mediocre attempt at getting
comfortable. Against his will, his eyes took into the soft curve of
her breasts under the white shirt. A piece of black lace peeked
out from the edge of the shirt and he swallowed hard. He’d never
seen her in anything but black, the dove gray seemed to soften
her for some reason it, making her skin take on a tender glow. His
gaze traveled to her dimpled chin that gave her a strong
determined look that set most people on their ears. Long coal
black lashes fanned her dusky cheeks, years of knowing her and
fighting with her had lead to this. This was the closes thing to a
relationship he had ever really known; and now it was about to
be over.
His lips lifted in a small wistful smile, he didn’t even like her
but she was the one person he could always count on to be real
with him, she never candy coated anything. He wasn’t sure if he
would miss her, but he knew he would miss their verbal sparing.
“Huh,” Trey blinked and immediately dropped his hand.
“She is beautiful isn’t she?” Dale commented taken his seat
across from them.
Trey felt like a fool, he hadn’t realized he had lifted his
hand; to his amazement, he had been about to caress her sleeping
face. “I don’t know Sir,” he hesitated, suddenly confused. “If
you like that type, I guess.”
Dale laughed, “You’d have to dead not to notice how pretty
she is.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”
“You know Trey,” Dale cocked a bushy gray eyebrow at
him. “I’ve always thought if things were different what
wonderful children you two could have.”
Trey raised a brow at that, “What do you mean if things
were different, and with whom would I have these children?”
“If Charlene wasn’t black,” Dale sighed with regret, “you two
compliment each other so well.”
Trey threw back his head and laughed hard, “Sir,” he said
between chuckles, “That is so far from the truth. I hate to break
it to you but I wouldn’t touch that woman with a twenty foot
pole.”
“That good to hear Trey,” Dale grunted, “you could ruin
your career with something like this.”
Trey wondered if she felt what he was feeling, the look on her
face said she did, and it stirred something within his heart. She
gave what looked like a half smile, and stared out the window.
Something about her voice touched him. There was a soft
quality, quiet, maybe withdrawn. He wondered what it could
mean.
face said she did, and it stirred something within his heart. She
gave what looked like a half smile, and stared out the window.
Something about her voice touched him. There was a soft
quality, quiet, maybe withdrawn. He wondered what it could
mean.